Last week, Blackstone's own Red Hen Diner hosted a gala event celebrating confirmation that the Red Hen would indeed be staying open indefinitely. Patrons of the diner had been worried that the strange events occuring in Blackstone over the past few weeks would cause the century-old diner to close. "Close?" exclaimed Velma, Red Hen head waitress, "Whatever is happening in Blackstone is affecting the community so profoundly that the only place in town folks feel safe is the Red Hen. Why would we close?"
By the looks of the record crowd gathering for the party, which took place Wednesday, May 14, Velma may just be right in her assumption. The mood seemed jovial as patrons dined on pot-luck dishes of blood sausage, deviled eggs, worms Alfredo, chichen diablo, and cattail soup, followed by glasses of witch's brew and deadly nightshade tea. The diner was decorated compliments of customer Lee Gee with floral displays of Blood Rood, Devil's Tongue Lilies, Wolf's Bane, and Bleeding Hearts. Music themes from the X-Files, Phantom of the Opera and The Rocky Horror Picture Show played on the jukebox while latex glove-shaped balloons swayed gently to the music. All the folks who attended were given charm bracelets as gifts. Each bracelet held a tiny doll, locket, lighter, hanky, viewmaster, pen knife and replica of the Asylum. For some reason, the party-goers refused their gifts.
The highlight of the evening came when famous author John Saul stopped in to wish the folks of Blackstone well. "It was really both an honor and a pleasure to have Mr. Saul take time from his busy schedule to be with us," stated Lilly, diner regular.
"The evening was a complete success, " noted Charlene, the Red Hen's new waitress. "I think we should have a party like this every week!"
If any more parties are planned at the Diner, we will be sure to let all of our readers know.